The NHS is central to ex-service personnel receiving support with their mental health and Head Start are referral partners with the NHS specific veteran teams, therefore these teams should be contacted in the first instance. Click here to download a list of NHS teams that specifically support ex-service personnel and who accept self-referrals. However where the NHS have been accessed and treatment is unavailable or there are long waiting times, Head Start can offer its private therapy support. All referrals to Head Start are to be received from healthcare professionals, including those in other military charities and MoD department of community mental health (DCMH) teams, and NHS teams.

We always welcome new therapists who would like to offer their services to ex-service personnel. Therapists who are accredited members of BACP, or registered with BABCP or EMDR UK & Ireland and HCPC/BPS members are all eligible to become a member of Head Start’s national network of private therapists. Click here for our Therapist Application Form and further information.

Are you serving or ex-forces with ﻿questions about the Head Start programme?

We are proud to be a partner of Contact - a collaboration of leading military charities, the NHS and the MoD, who work closely together in order to ensure that the best possible mental health support is available to those who have served in the British Armed Forces. For more information, please visit the Contact website.

Established in 2010, Walking With The Wounded supports a pathway for vulnerable veterans to re-integrate back into society and sustain their independence. At the heart of this journey is employment. You can help by making a donation or fundraising for the charity.

Walking With The Wounded is registered as a charity in England and Wales, number 1153497 and Scotland, number SC047760